Implementing an Evidence-Based Wound Care Protocol for Inpatient End-of-Life Residents That Aligns With Hospice Comfort Care Goals

Authors

• Oge c. OkekeFollow

Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion

2026

Faculty Advisor

Dr Marie Mcbee

Abstract

Implementing an evidence-based wound care protocol for inpatient end-of-life residents that aligns with hospice comfort care goals.

Purpose

This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to adopt a patient-centered, comfort-focused approach to wound care at the DNP project site and improve patient outcomes by increasing nursing staff's knowledge of evidence-based wound treatment strategies by 20%.

Background

Curative treatments involving aggressive methods do not align with hospice principles. Residents at the project site experience increased suffering at the end of life because of limited nursing knowledge of evidence-based, atraumatic wound care practices for end-of-life patients.

Results

Pre-intervention nursing knowledge survey scores ranged from 50% to 80%, with a mean of 69% and a median of 70%. Post-intervention scores ranged from 80% to 100%, with a mean of 90% and a median of 90%. There was a 21-point increase in participants' EBP knowledge of palliative wound treatment, surpassing the target of a 20% increase. The Intervention tool was adopted into the EHR for sustainability.

Implications

Illustration-based educational guides improve nurses' knowledge and enhance the quality and consistency of wound care in the hospice setting.Incorporating relevant protocols into monitored clinical workflows strengthens the sustainability of practice.Opposition to reducing wound treatments was alleviated by involving the care plan at admission.

Keywords

Palliative, End-of-life, wound, skin failure, hospice wound, fungating, terminal wound, wound symptom, pain control

Recommended Citation

Oge c. Okeke, "Implementing an Evidence-Based Wound Care Protocol for Inpatient End-of-Life Residents That Aligns With Hospice Comfort Care Goals" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 196.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dnp_abstract/196